Topic: XP SP2

[Grim]

Well i've finally decided to take the plunge and install sp2 on my computer.

What i would like to know is:

1. i have read a lot of information on both sides of the argument about sp2 being a load of crap etc, is it worth installing it?

2. I've also read various information on the way to patch it, is it better to update via the updater or download a possible larger installer directly from the site?

[Sirgod]

Hey Grim. From what I understand, It's better to grab the Larger install. I believe It has Features that make xp home like xp Pro.

I personally have problems everytime I install the service pack, But It works wonders for alot of other People. Hope this helps Bud.

Stephen

[Grim]

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my query Stephen.

Yeah i have heard a mixture of good and bad responses to the installation of service pack 2, hence why i decided not to install it when it came out. I'll do some further research before i commit any decision to whether or not i should install it.

Thanks again.

[benbean]

Alternatively you can order sp2 on a cd from microsoft for free...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx



ben.

[Don Karnage]

well it seem that sp2 will patch the hole (or one of them) on win xp, the bad side of it is you can't have another firewall and the one from xp sp2 can't be control, if a new application want to get access to the net it will tell you but you can't turn off the internet like you can do with zone alarm, but you need a good anti virus also, like all the microsoft there a good bad side from the good side, you bether with it that without it, so download it from microsoft (if you have a dial up then get the cd).

[Pestalence_XC]

The Windows Update version is bugged and causes 1 in 5 systems to screw up.. it is best to Install the one from this site


http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

After you you install XPSP 2, on reboot it will ask for Automatic Updates.. turn this off as well to save bandwidth... Also it will ask to configure your Firewall (Windows Firewall), if you have a 3rd party firewall like Zone Alarm, turn this off.. even if you don't have a firewall, turn this off and find Zone Alarm.. that is if you REALLY need a firewall.. if your system is configured correctly, a firewall isn't really needed.. if you don't know how to get deep into Windows and configure security on your system, then I suggest Zone Alarm.

after your system starts all the way up, click Start, the Windows Update..

Install the new scanning tool provided in the main page.. after this is set up, it will give 2 options for updating.. always use Custom..

The results for how many updates will be listed on the top left like before.. GET ALL UPDATES !!!!

After this, you may want to update all your drivers including your mother board..

after that your system should run like a charm.. If you have a 3-rd party firewall.. go to their site and see if they have an XPSP 2 version or upgrade.. if not, then your firewall is just fine with XPSP 2 just the way it is.

Hope that this helps.

[IAF Lyrkiller]

Why all the fuss, I have a version of WinXP that has SP2 already on it. 

[Dash Jones]

SP 2 works like a charm for me, runs most of my programs (excluding Armada 1), and even runs old FR games my uncle had like Pool of Radiance as long as it's configured right!

I like the popup blocker and some other features of SP2 as well.